A whistleblower has voiced his fears someone could be injured or worse as Dunfermline’s beleaguered flood prevention scheme continues to drag on.
This year Fife Council splashed more cash on the much-maligned project, which is already a massive £11 million over budget and four years late in being completed.
It also terminated its contract with Byzak Ltd and announced it was to start court action against project designers Atkins Ltd.
But a council insider, who did not wish to be named, said the scheme was Dunfermline’s answer to Edinburgh’s trams. The latest delay is “extending the misery” for hundreds of residents who have had to endure years of upset.
But his main concern is a safety one.
“When the works were halted Fife Council was very vocal about assuring the public that they would keep the work areas in safe and secure condition until another contractor was found. Since then they have failed to do even the basics.
“The Forth Street work site has two areas within the open and running burn, which now look like partially-built swimming pools.
“It would be easy for children to access this area unnoticed; if they were to fall or swim in these areas, it is highly likely they could be injured or worse by submerged objects.”
He also cited financial implications concerning the unsecured sites and claimed thieves appeared to be removing large amounts of building materials. He also accused the council of discussing the issue in private.
“This is a small flood prevention scheme, not Watergate,” he added.
Derek Crowe, roads and engineering services senior manager, said that after the council had terminated the contract with Byzak, it was unavoidable that nothing could happen until a new contractor was appointed.
He said the council had employed a private security firm that visits the site six times a day.
“The remaining areas of the site and the area where the building materials are stored are fenced off with the same type of site fencing previously used by Byzak.
The fencing continues to be vandalised but we repair it as soon as it’s reported. The work at Forth Street is not finished but is safe.”
Mr Crowe added the council was well on the way to finding a new contractor. Tenders will be returned on May 2 and the successful candidate should be appointed by May 23, with work expected to start on June 16 and be completed by the end of October, two months earlier than Byzak’s proposed timescale.
“As we’re seeking legal advice in relation to this project, we’re not required to publish reports going to committee,” he added.